Ultra-sensitive sequencing test to find infections of the brain and spinal cord
Gigapixel Next-Generation-Sequencing: An Ultra-Sensitive Diagnostic for Infections of the CNS
A new ultra-sensitive sequencing test that quickly finds and reads the genomes of germs causing infections of the brain and spinal cord for people with suspected central nervous system infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a next-generation sequencing test (gNGS) that isolates and sequences pathogen genomes directly from patient samples like cerebrospinal fluid or blood. It uses a 'gigapixel' approach with tiny double-emulsion droplets so single microbial genomes can be captured without specialized droplet analyzers and processed on common lab equipment. The team will pair the lab method with bioinformatic tools to identify the infecting organism and read virulence and drug-resistance genes. Clinical workflows will be developed with a CLIA-certified pathogen lab at UCSF to make the method usable on real patient samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with suspected central nervous system infections (for example, suspected bacterial meningitis) who can provide cerebrospinal fluid or blood samples at participating hospitals.
Not a fit: People without suspected infections, those with non-infectious neurological conditions, or patients who cannot access participating clinical sites are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide faster, more accurate diagnosis of brain and spinal infections and help doctors choose the right treatments sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Metagenomic and targeted next-generation sequencing methods have helped diagnose some CNS infections already, but this ultra-sensitive gNGS approach is a novel extension designed to be more sensitive and information-rich.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abate, Adam R. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Abate, Adam R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.